NHBF Response to Parliament Debate on Hair & Beauty
The NHBF has made a public thank you to the MPs who took part in a debate in Parliament about the hair and beauty sector yesterday, Wednesday 23rd April 2025. All MPs were sent a copy of the Straightening Out the Costs report beforehand, which Harriet Baldwin MP used as part of the debate. The NHBF’s Industry Statistics and State of the Industry reports were also referenced. The Minister Gareth Thomas responded saying that the sector is benefiting from increased support through the Employment Allowance, fairer business rates for the retail sector and increased enforcement activity on the high street. A small business strategy to be published later in the year will set out a range of support and NHBF will be meeting the Minister at the next sector roundtable meeting next month to discuss this in more detail.
Minister Gareth Thomas also mentioned that the government will respond quickly to the aesthetics consultation, although gave no fixed timeline.
Caroline Larissey, NHBF chief executive said:
“The parliamentary debate on the hair and beauty sector marks a significant step forward in recognising our sector’s economic contribution and challenges. We’re encouraged by the Minister’s acknowledgment of increased support measures and particularly welcome the upcoming small business strategy. Our Straightening Out the Costs report has clearly resonated with MPs, and we look forward to building on this momentum at next month’s sector roundtable to ensure the voice of our Members continues to be heard at the highest levels of government.”
